PoK Elections Phase 2 Ends Amid Rigging Allegations, Violence and Low Voter Turnout

The second phase of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) legislative elections concluded on Sunday amid widespread allegations of electoral manipulation, violent clashes, public protests and low voter participation.

Polling was conducted for nine assembly seats in Muzaffarabad along with 12 refugee seats, while heavy security deployment and road blockades disrupted voting in several areas.

The developments have intensified political tensions in the region and renewed scrutiny over the electoral process.

India Reiterates Its Position on PoK

India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas currently under Pakistan's control, are an integral part of India.

Ahead of the elections, New Delhi described the exercise as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise what it calls its illegal occupation of the region while diverting attention from alleged human rights concerns.

Heavy Security Deployment During Voting

Authorities transported polling personnel under tight security.

Election teams travelled in military-guarded convoys accompanied by police and security forces.

In addition to local police, personnel from Punjab and Sindh provinces were deployed to maintain law and order during polling.

Despite these measures, protests continued across multiple localities.

JAAC Protests Disrupt Polling

Supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) maintained demonstrations throughout polling day.

Road blockades were reported in several areas, including:

• Gujra
• Tariqabad
• Upper Plate
• Centre Plate
• Lower Plate
• Saman Bandi
• Chehla Bandi

The protest group has been demonstrating for nearly two months, alleging manipulation of 12 reserved assembly seats and claiming that the political establishment influences the selection of the region's leadership.

JAAC has also criticised local media for what it describes as inadequate coverage of public grievances.

Rigging Allegations Intensify Political Tensions

Opposition parties levelled fresh allegations of electoral malpractice during the second phase.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari alleged that the party's leaders and workers were targeted during polling.

According to the PPP:

• The region's president and party candidate Chaudhry Latif Akbar was attacked.
• A party worker was reportedly shot dead.
• The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was accused of influencing the electoral process.

Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf claimed that complaints supported by evidence had been submitted to the election authorities but alleged that no meaningful action had been taken.

Public Discontent and Low Voter Participation

The elections witnessed relatively poor voter turnout as many residents expressed disappointment with mainstream political parties.

Several voters questioned whether elected representatives adequately address local concerns, while others chose to stay away from polling stations altogether.

Many residents cited political instability, frequent party defections and governance issues as reasons for declining participation.

Three-Phase Election Process

The 45-seat assembly election is being conducted in three phases due to the prevailing security situation.

Election Schedule

During the first phase, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz secured nine seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party won four.

Violence Continues to Cast Shadow

The election process has remained overshadowed by violence.

According to protest groups, dozens of people have lost their lives during unrest linked to the elections in recent weeks.

Separately, demonstrations were also reported in Lahore, where police detained several protesters expressing solidarity with people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Religious leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticised the violence, urging all stakeholders to pursue a peaceful resolution.

Political Uncertainty Remains

With one phase of polling still remaining, the controversy surrounding the elections continues.

Allegations of manipulation, public dissatisfaction, protests and security concerns have raised fresh questions over the credibility of the electoral process.

The final phase of voting is scheduled for August 10, when polling will be held in the remaining constituencies.

Key Highlights

• The second phase of PoK legislative elections concluded amid heavy security.
• Polling covered nine seats in Muzaffarabad and 12 refugee seats.
• Opposition parties alleged electoral rigging and political interference.
• JAAC protests disrupted voting across several localities.
• Low voter turnout reflected growing public dissatisfaction.
• The elections are being conducted in three phases.
• The final phase is scheduled for August 10.